Malekith the Accursed is the leader of the Dark elves, a race of elves that formed from darkness. He created a red liquid known as the Aether (pronounced ee-ther) which was capable of ultimate destruction. Years ago, they tried to plunge the universe into darkness, but they were sent into hibernation by Thor's grandfather Bor and the Aether was locked underground. They remained asleep until the Aether was accidentally discovered by Jane Foster. Malekith injected a liquid into Algrim the Strong, one of his greatest warriors, turning Algrim into Kurse. The Dark Elves ambushed Asgard to get the Aether (which was in Jane Foster's body). Malekith battled Thor while Kurse freed some prisoners. Thor struck half of Malekith's face with lightning after Malekith killed Thor's mother Frigga. The Dark Elves retreated to the Dark World, but Thor and Loki followed. Malekith stripped the Aether from Jane and made his way to Midgard (Earth). He used the Aether to try and complete what he started years ago. Thor managed to find him and destroy the Aether and finally defeat Malekith and his army.